Nectarine tree &#34;Arctic Star&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which has the unique combination of the following outstanding features that are desirable in a new variety: 
     1. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 
     2. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 
     3. Fruit having firm white flesh with good handling and shipping quality. 
     4. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. 
     5. Vigorous, upright growth. 
     6. Relatively uniform size of fruit throughout the tree.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new variety of nectarine tree was originated by use in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., as a first generationcross between a white nectarine of unknown parentage and May GloNectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,245). A large number of seedlings fromthis first generation cross were planted, grown and maintained undercareful observation, during which time one such seedling, whichrepresents the present variety, being especially desirable for thequality of its fruit, was selected for asexual reproduction andcommercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine treewas reproduced by budding, as performed by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Calif., which shows that allcharacteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations and are true to theoriginal tree in all respects.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The herein claimed new distinct variety of nectarine tree is of largesize, vigorous, upright growth and is a productive and regular bearer oflarge size, white flesh, clingstone fruit with good flavor and eatingquality. The fruit is further characterized by having firm white flesh,good storage and handling quality and having a high degree of attractivered skin color. In comparison to its low chill pollen parent May GloNectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,245), the new variety requiresapproximately 150 more winter chilling hours, produces fruit that islarger in size, has white flesh instead of yellow flesh and isapproximately 3 days later in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographic reproductions show typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. Theillustrations are of the upper and lower surface of the leaves, and ofthe exterior and sectional view of the fruit divided in its suture planeto reveal the pit cavity, flesh coloration and a stone remaining inplace. The photographs were taken shortly after the fruit was picked(firm ripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possiblein a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the present newvariety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit as based onobservations of specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with colorterminology (except those in common terms) referenced to Reinhold ColorAtlas by A. Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Upright.

Density.--Medium dense.

Productivity.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to large.

Texture.--Medium shaggy.

Color.--Brown to soot brown (5-E-5) to (5-F-5).

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium rough.

Lenticels.--Numerous. Medium to large size.

Color.--Light brown to oak brown (5-D-5) to (5-D-6).

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 61/2". Average width -- 15/8".

Texture.--Smooth.

Margin.--Crenate.

Form.--Lanceolate. Pointed.

Thickness.--Medium.

Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness

Glands.--Reinform. Small to medium size. Number varies from 1 to 4.Average number 2. Positioned on base of leaf blade and upper portion ofpetiole.

Color.--Upper surface -- light green to green (28-E-8) to (28-F-5).Lower surface -- dull green to grayish green (28-D-5) to (28-E-5).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium to large.

Length.--Medium.

Form.--Plump -- free.

Flowers:

Size.--Large -- showy.

Blooming period.--Date of first bloom -- Feb. 16, 1993. Date of fullbloom -- Feb. 20, 1993. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Pollen.--Present -- self fertile.

Color.--Pink.

Pistil pubescence.--Wanting.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--May 30, 1993.

Date of last picking.--Jun. 6, 1993. Maturity varies slightly withclimatic conditions.

Size.--Medium to large. Average diameter axially -- Average transverselyin suture plane -- 211/16".

Form.--Globose -- nearly symmetrical.

Suture.--Shallow -- extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Nearly rounded, varies from round to slightdepression.

Base.--Retuse.

Apex.--Usually rounded, varies from retuse to slight pistil point.

Cavity.--Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth --7/16". Average breadth -- 5/8".

Flesh:

Ripens.--Uniform.

Texture.--Firm, meaty.

Fibers.--Few, small, tender.

Juice.--Moderate.

Flavor.--Good, subacid to mild.

Eating quality.--Good.

Aroma.--Moderate.

Color.--White to yellowish white (2-A-1) to (2-A-2). Pit cavity -- creamwhite to yellowish white. (4-A-2) to (4-A-3).

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium -- tenacious to the flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Wanting.

Color.--White ground color (2-A-1) to (2-A-2). Overspread with red(10-C-8) to (10-D-8).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Large. Average length -- 11/4". Average width -- 1". Averagethickness -- 1/2".

Form.--Ovoid.

Base.--Varies from straight to rounded.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Sides.--Equal to slightly unequal.

Surface.--Furrowed toward apex, pitted toward base.

Ridges.--Rounded.

Tendency to split.--Very slight.

Color.--Light brown to brown (8-B-5) to (8-D-5).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The present new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantiallyas illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorousupright growth, which is a productive and regular bearer of large, earlymaturing, white flesh clingstone fruit with good flavor and eatingquality; the fruit is further characterized by having firm flesh withgood storage and shipping quality, having a high degree of attractivered skin color and in comparison to its paternal parent May GloNectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,245) it has white flesh instead ofyellow flesh, is slightly larger in size and is approximately 3 dayslater in maturity.